Mommy wrist and mommy thumb: What they are and how to find relief

Picture this: You’re rocking your baby for the fourth time tonight, cradling their tiny body in your arms. But instead of just feeling sleepy, you feel a sharp pain shooting through your wrist every time you shift your baby’s weight. At first, you brushed it off, just another ache in the “new mom starter pack,” right? But now, even twisting a jar lid or lifting a diaper bag makes you wince.

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with what’s commonly known as mommy wrist or mommy thumb. It’s way more common than you think, and the good news? With the right tweaks and care, it’s totally treatable.

To better understand this condition and how to find relief, we spoke to Dr. Jennifer Tucker, a double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist at HCA East Florida Division. She shared her expert insights on what causes mommy wrist, how to treat it, and ways to prevent it.

What is mommy wrist?

Mommy wrist (or “mommy thumb”) is the nickname for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. These tendons help you move your thumb, but when you’re constantly lifting, holding, and rocking your baby (not to mention scrolling baby forums one-handed), they can get irritated and inflamed.

Dr. Jennifer Tucker explains mommy wrist as a “Dull, aching pain that begins on the thumb side of your wrist. The pain typically starts with certain radial-deviation activities such as lifting your baby, and then progresses to pain with any wrist motion.”

Signs you might have mommy wrist

If your wrist has been feeling sore or just “off” lately, it might not just be new-parent fatigue. Mommy wrist often starts with subtle symptoms that are easy to brush off, but can worsen without care. Here’s what to watch for:

• Pain or tenderness near the base of your thumb or wrist
• Swelling or a small bump on the thumb side of your wrist
• Trouble gripping or twisting, like opening jars or bottles
• A popping or catching feeling when you move your thumb

In other words, your wrist is crying out for a little TLC.

Does mommy wrist go away?

The short answer: yes, it often does, especially if you catch it early and treat it. Many parents find that symptoms ease in 4 to 6 weeks with rest and proper support.

Dr. Tucker recommends a “less is more” approach, “using a wrist brace during the day as much as possible; topical ice or Voltaren gel; and, hardest, minimizing repetitive lifting. Having others help with feeding and diapering can allow your tendonitis to rest and recover.”

But here’s the kicker: ignoring the pain can make things worse. Over time, the pain can spread up your arm or make even simple tasks, like buckling your baby into their car seat, feel impossible. If conservative treatments don’t help, doctors may recommend a steroid injection or, in rare cases, minor surgery.

How to fix mommy wrist

Here’s what can help you start feeling better fast:

1. Rest (as much as you can)

We know “rest” and “new parent” don’t usually belong in the same sentence. But even small changes, like switching arms when you carry your baby or asking for help with lifting, can take pressure off your wrist.

2. Try a thumb splint

A thumb spica splint keeps your wrist and thumb supported while you heal. You can wear it while feeding or rocking your baby to prevent strain.

3. Ice, ice, baby

A cold compress for 15–20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Over-the-counter relief

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen can help, but check with your doctor first, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

5. Gentle stretches and exercises

Once the worst of the pain eases, a physical or occupational therapist can teach you stretches and strengthening moves to help your wrist recover.

How to heal mommy wrist

Healing mommy wrist is all about calming the pain now and rebuilding strength so it doesn’t flare up again.

Here’s a simple plan you can discuss with your healthcare provider:

Dr. Tucker notes that while steroid injections are an option, they aren’t the first line: “Activity modification and using a brace is first-line treatment. Steroid injections are indicated if pain persists with this non-invasive treatment, surgical release may be necessary, but that is not common.”

• Support it: Wear your splint consistently until the pain subsides.
• Soothe it: Keep up with ice and anti-inflammatories during flare-ups.
• Strengthen it: Add in gentle thumb and wrist exercises to build resilience.
• Seek extra help: If conservative care isn’t working after a few weeks, a corticosteroid injection can provide quick relief.

Most parents recover fully without needing surgery. And if surgery is needed, it’s a minor outpatient procedure with a high success rate.

How to prevent mommy wrist

Once your wrist is on the mend, here’s how to stop it from making a comeback:

• Switch up your hold: Use a scooping motion to lift your baby instead of that L-shaped wrist grip.
• Use props: Feeding pillows and baby carriers can take a lot of strain off your wrists.
• Alternate hands: Share the load so one wrist isn’t doing all the heavy lifting.
• Build strength: Simple hand stretches or resistance band exercises can help keep those tendons happy and healthy.

Dr. Tucker’s advice is simple but effective: “Positional changes are important when lifting your child. Try using one hand to scoop under their body while supporting their head, and keep your painful wrist pointed toward the ceiling.”

She adds, “Keeping your thumb out of gripping maneuvers temporarily can limit the stress on your thumb extensors, which are inflamed in this condition.”

When to call your doctor

If your pain isn’t improving after a couple of weeks of self-care, or if it’s getting worse, schedule a visit with your doctor or an orthopedic specialist. They can recommend the right treatment and get you on the path to healing faster.

Conclusion

Mommy wrist is common, but it doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” With a few tweaks to your routine and some intentional care, you can get relief, and get back to snuggling your baby pain-free.

You may also like

• Breastfeeding positions decoded: What works best for you and your baby?
• Self care awareness month: 10 micro-moments of peace for exhausted new parents parenting 
• Ask the expert: What you need to know about postpartum preeclampsia

Sources

• Overview of De Quervain’s tendinosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). 2022. “De Quervain’s Tendinosis.”
• Comprehensive review of Mommy Thumb. National Library of Medicine (PMC). 2024. “Mommy thumb: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in mothers.”
• Clinical guidance on De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf. 2024. “De Quervain Tenosynovitis.”